Benefits of Vitamin A

Vitamin A has been called the "miracle vitamin" for years because of its positive impact on immunity and growth. Beauty-conscious women love this vitamin because it is believed to slow the aging process and improve overall skin condition.

Benefits of Vitamin A

It acts as antioxidant, protecting our cells from cancer and other diseases.
It improves vision and prevents night blindness.
It promotes formation of strong bones.
It guards us against bacterial, viral and parasitic infections.
It protects against heart disease and stroke, and lowers cholesterol levels.
It can improve skin conditions like acne or psoriasis.
A well-known wrinkle eliminator, Vitamin A reduces fine lines and helps fade age spots.
Vitamin A supplements may help children with respiratory problems.
The supplement is believed to help patients of glaucoma and measles.

Vitamin A in Nature

Vitamin A is available naturally in two forms. The first, retinol, is found in liver, dairy products, eggs and cod liver oil. The second form is beta-carotene, an orange-yellow to red pigment that the body converts to Vitamin A when required. Beta-carotene is present in brightly colored fruits and vegetables. The brighter the fruit, the more beta-carotene it contains.

You will find beta-carotene in vegetables and fruits like apricots, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots and spinach. Avoid taking large amounts of Vitamin A supplements over a long period. It could be bad for health. You can bypass the side effects by increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is known to prevent cancer by neutralizing the cancer agent.

Who Would Benefit?

Vitamin A supplements may be necessary in the following cases:

People who are unable to see in the dark, or have dry and dull eyes
Children with poor growth
People with skin problems
People on a low skin diet
Those who have poor absorption (for example, patients of cystic fibrosis)

Absorption Helper

Vitamin A is best absorbed together with a little fat or oil in the diet. When taking Vitamin A supplements, it is better to select "natural fish oil" forms. It is best to increase Vitamin A intake through diet rather than supplements.